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etc. on this site are the property of Gogouyave. com and must NOT
be re-distributed or published without proper authorization.
The Grand old man from Gouyave
Mr. Lionel Ferguson BEM Story
by Dunbar Campbell
The Grand Old Man from Gouyave When I wrote the first version of the following account in January 2003, I had no idea that it would trigger a move led by the conscientious Arthur Hosten JP to recognize Mr. Lionel Ferguson for his long years of service to the town of Gouyave. A year later, Mr. Ferguson was awarded the coveted British Empire Medal (BEM) by Queen Elizabeth II. I returned a few months later and had my picture taken with him. He will celebrate his 100th birthday on 19th April 2006, and Gouyave will celebrate it with him. More of Mr. Ferguson, BEM, can be seen on the following website: http://gogouyave.com/mr_ferguson.htm
During a recent vacation in Grenada, I visited an elderly gentleman man in Gouyave. He didn’t know me, but I knew him. He was a link to a distant past I treasure. Forty years ago, before the town had electricity, he used to light the hurricane gas lamps that graced the dark streets of Gouyave, and ring the Anglican Church bells like music over the town. He is a link to a time I value more than anything I own today. I knocked on his door. Without asking who was at his door, he just said, “Come in.” Another reminder of that distant time. I opened the door and led my family through the narrow
doorway. He lay half-asleep on a small couch in a plain living room just big
enough for the four of us standing. “I know you,” I said. “But you don’t know me.” He studied my face for a silent moment. “You’re a Campbell. You can’t hide,” he said. His eyesight, without eyeglasses, was also stronger than his aging stature suggested. “I am here to thank you,” I said. “For the days you rang the church bell and the nights you lit the lamps for the streets.” His face lit up like a full moon. “You remember dat?” he asked with a big smile. “Dose were the good old days.” I remembered those good old days too. The days when we made all our toys: Catapults (sling shots) from guava crooks and bicycle inner tubes, spinning tops from golden apple wood, scooters from old car parts, fishing hooks from needles bent over fire, bamboo kites with mad-bulls and brown paper, with rags for tails. The days when the height of excitement was jumping out the low window at the temporary school in the Lance fish market to go fishing and swimming. When homework was done under the yellow light of kerosene lamps and candles. When we learned to write by scratching on framed black slates. When erasers were moist lilies. When heavy rain meant racing sticks and coconut boats down flooded drains. When . . . “Yes,” I agreed with the old man. “Dose were the good old days.” I introduced him to my kids, girls who had grown up in
America with Gameboys, CD players, and DVD’s. Children who pitied me because I
didn’t watch my first television show until I was eighteen years old. I wanted
them to feel the excitement the old man and I shared for those simple days. I will return. But this time I will take a picture. I don’t ever want to forget the good old days I shared with this great man from Gouyave. Webmasters notes: Mr. Ferguson is well known for his ability to make kitchen utensils
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